The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. This blood test helps determine whether you’re at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you have diabetes, HbA1c testing can help you and your healthcare provider know how well you're managing your blood sugar levels over time. An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage of HbA1c indicates higher blood sugar levels.
What is tested?
Hemoglobin is a protein found only in red blood cells that carry oxygen from your lungs to the body’s tissues and return carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches and sticks to hemoglobin molecules to form Hemoglobin A1c. The hemoglobin A1c test is an important tool used by healthcare professionals for the screening, diagnosis, and management of prediabetes and diabetes. This blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
Blood glucose is the main sugar found in your bloodstream. The sugar comes from the food you eat and supplies energy to all cells in the body. However, it needs to stay within safe levels to reduce the risk of diabetes and associated disorders, such as heart disease. Your body also needs insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps store glucose in the liver, muscles, and fat; controls the amount of glucose in your blood; and regulates how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When you don't have enough insulin or it isn't working properly, the body cannot effectively process blood sugar, resulting in high blood sugar levels and, ultimately, diabetes. If high blood sugar levels are left untreated, you may develop a chronic health condition that may lead to damage to many bodily systems, including blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, skin disorders, and an increased risk for limb amputation.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of diabetes may be hard to recognize or go unnoticed. You may consider discussing your risk factors for diabetes with your healthcare provider or getting an HbA1c Test if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
Eligibility
Our Hemoglobin A1c Test is for anyone who wants to measure their average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.
Preparing For Your Test
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.
After The Test
When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results. If your results differ from the expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.
